Radiator fluid exchanging apparatus

Abstract

A radiator fluid exchanging apparatus including at least one fluid supply tank and a pressure vessel with a pressure generator, the tank and the vessel each including a multi-directional supply coupling in communication with first and second selectively operable fluid control manifolds, one manifold being in communication with a pump for supplying fluid from the supply tank to an influent port of an engine cooling system to be serviced, the other manifold being interposed between the pressure vessel and an effluent port of the engine cooling system, when coupled thereto, for drawing waste fluid into the vessel and resupplying fluid from the fluid supply tank under negative pressure to the engine cooling system as determined by the selective operation of the control manifolds and actuation of the pump and pressure generator.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 29 / 190,860, now U.S. Pat. No. D497,624, entitled Radiator Fluid Exchanger Cabinet, filed on Sep. 26, 2003, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to the field of vehicle maintenance, and more specifically, to servicing vehicle cooling fluid systems.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]The engine cooling system is but one vehicle system that requires routine maintenance to extend the longevity of the system and the vehicle. A typical engine cooling system includes a radiator connected to a water pump via an effluent line which is in turn connected to a heater core and an engine block. An influent line completes the fluid loop by connecting the radiator inlet port to the outlet port of the engine block. Depending on the direction the water is pumped, this loop may be reversed. The radiator also includes a r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a radiator fluid exchanging apparatus for servicing a vehicular engine coolant system. The apparatus includes a supply tank, a manifold, a pump, and a pressure vessel. It also includes a remove and fill conduit and a fluid supply conduit for routing fluid between the supply tank and the radiator. The apparatus can perform a pressure test on the engine coolant system and includes a housing for easy transportation. The invention allows for the efficient servicing of engine coolant systems and provides a convenient and efficient way to perform pressure tests."

Problems solved by technology

As the efficiency of heat transfer deteriorates with time, as from broken down aged coolant, the risk of overheating and damaging the engine is increased.

Often, the fluid was drained directly into the street drain or public sewage system leading to undesirable environmental impacts.

However, this fluid replacement method wasted a considerable amount of water to completely flush the radiator.

In addition, this procedure, being dependent on the pressure of the flushing hose and gravity fluid flow, took a considerable amount of time to flush the contents of the radiator and did not result in satisfactorily flushing the entire cooling system.

However, such system has a drawback as a significant amount of new fluid must be introduced into the system to ensure the air is completely forced out of the engine coolant loop.

However, residual amounts of compressed air often become trapped the engine cooling system.

However, a failure in the switching system or valve closure would result in introducing air into the engine coolant system.

Also, according to this patent, the air is bled from the system if necessary, indicating that some air may be trapped during the process.

The problem with leaving air in the vehicle cooling system is that a dangerous condition can arise if too much air remains.

Air in the system can expand when heated and blow the hoses or otherwise weaken the hoses thereby shortening the lifespan of the cooling system of the vehicle.

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